An adventure in Borneo - Part 2 seeing Dolphins, Crocodiles and cheeky Proboscis monkeys...

As you are on an island, we’ll add some more water based activities into the mix today with an exciting cruise along the Santubong Peninsular to spot some of Sarawak’s very own fascinating array of wildlife, such as the iconic Proboscis monkey, crocodiles and even the lively dolphins! Starting at Sarawak Boat Club you’ll head for the mouth of the Santubong River. Here, sightings of the Irrawaddy dolphins have often been reported. However, dolphin-spotting is not guaranteed, and it all depends on your luck. Your boat will then take you through the mangrove-lined rivers for a wildlife-spotting adventure.

As it gets darker, you will be able to see the adorable Proboscis monkeys hanging out on treetops, often in harems. Keep an eye out for crocodiles too, crawling on the mud banks or swimming in the calm waters. A caveat: please don’t dip your hands in the water! After crocodile-spotting, next you will get a chance to see twinkly fireflies gathering by the riverbanks. Watch as they flicker around the mangrove branches, like beautiful Christmas lights by the riverbank before returning to the Sarawak Boat Club and transport back to your hotel.

And then we reach one of the highlights of your tour. You’ll fly to Sandakan airport, you will be greeted by your local English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in Sepilok area, for an overnight stay. In the morning you will set off for the Sun Bear Conservation Centre nearby. This centre aims to increase awareness of this endearing, but little-known bear species – named after the crescent shaped patch of fur on their chests that resembles the rising sun.

From here you’ll walk to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in time for the morning feeding session at 1000.

Your journey continues to the Kinabatangan River, where you’ll stay in a rainforest lodge and in the evening, meander along the Kinabatangan River alongside a local guide who will point out some of the area’s nocturnal inhabitants as they descend from their hiding places high in the trees. On your return to the lodge, time for dinner before an informative talk and presentation on the river and the species found around it.

Rise early with the birds today and you head out for a cruise to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. This crescent-shaped lake was created when the meandering path of the main river strayed so far that its loop got cut off from the main tributary. The stillness of the lake and its relative protection provides a haven for animals and plants that is unique from the nearby river ecosystem. Then mid-morning return to the resort for breakfast before taking an informative tour along the Hornbill Boardwalk, with the resort’s naturalist, offering fascinating insight into the medicinal and traditional uses of the jungle flora.

The rest of the day is at leisure before heading out in the late afternoon to watch the river activities of local primates. The afternoon is a particularly great time to spot wildlife, and the light is perfect for photography.